Monday morning quarterback

By Staff Writer

A look back and ahead in college football:

WHO'S HOT

Michael Johnson. Georgia's junior flanker had 11 receptions for 130 yards entering Saturday's game at Auburn. He had 13 for 141 in the Bulldogs' 24-21 triumph, including the game-winning 19-yard grab with 85 seconds remaining.

WHO'S NOT

LSU. In their three losses this season - the latest was Saturday's 31-0 home collapse against Alabama - the Tigers have been outscored 88-15.

STAT OF THE WEEK

On six straight second-half drives, Auburn's offense mustered a total of 10 yards while going three--and-out on every possession.

12. Mississippi State ...The Bulldogs will try to ruin Arkansas' bid for the SEC West title on Saturday.

RANKING THE ACC, TOP AND BOTTOM

1. Maryland ... The Terrapins are playing better than Florida State despite their blowout loss to the Seminoles in September.

9. North Carolina ... The Tar Heels will play Duke in the Cellar Bowl on Saturday. Both are 0-7 in the league, and both can't wait for basketball season.

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

"We jump up - Oh God! Touchdown in the corner! Somebody went up high! Was it Gibson or Johnson? We caught the ball!" - Georgia radio announcer Larry Munson, describing Johnson's game-winning catch.

WHAT'S NEXT

Georgia and Georgia Tech have a week off to prepare for their Nov. 30 game in Athens, Ga. South Carolina visits Clemson on Saturday in the regular-season finale for both teams (7:45 p.m., ESPN).

THIS WEEK'S BIG STORY LINE

In their 100th meeting, the Gamecocks and Tigers play one of the lesser anticipated games in their rivalry. South Carolina needs to revive its stagnant offense if it wants to earn the victory necessary for bowl eligibility. Clemson needs to learn how to stop the run to avoid its second-straight six-win season. Might as well call this one the Mediocrity Bowl.